First Known Use: circa 1570
Dictionary
1limp
verb \ˈlimp\
: to walk in a slow and awkward way because of an injury to a leg or foot
: to go or continue slowly or with difficulty
Full Definition of LIMP
intransitive verb
1
a : to walk lamely; especially : to walk favoring one leg b : to go unsteadily : falter
2
: to proceed slowly or with difficulty <the ship limped back to port>
— limp·er noun
See limp defined for English-language learners
See limp defined for kids
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Origin of LIMP
probably from Middle English lympen to fall short; akin to Old English limpan to happen, lemphealt lame
2limp
noun
: a slow and awkward way of walking caused by an injury to a leg or foot
Full Definition of LIMP
: a limping movement or gait
See limp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LIMP
1818
3limp
adjective
: having an unpleasantly soft or weak quality : not firm or stiff
: feeling very tired
Full Definition of LIMP
1
a : lacking firm texture, substance, or structure <limp curtains> <her hair hung limp about her shoulders> b : not stiff or rigid <a book in a limp binding>
2
a : weary, exhausted <limp with fatigue> b : lacking in strength, vigor, or firmness : spiritless
— limp·ly adverb
— limp·ness noun
See limp defined for English-language learners
Origin of LIMP
akin to 1limp
First Known Use: circa 1706
LIMPING Defined for Kids
1limp
verb \ˈlimp\
limpedlimp·ing
Definition of LIMP for Kids
: to walk in a slow or uneven way because of an injury to a foot or leg <… Shiloh's up limping around on his bad leg. — Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Shiloh>
2limp
noun
Definition of LIMP for Kids
: a slow or uneven way of walking caused by an injury to a leg or foot
3limp
adjective
Definition of LIMP for Kids
: not firm or stiff <The limp plants needed water.>
— limp·ly adverb
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